Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-08-19


in many quail ties, especially fine dark
red specimens being sometimes foisted
upon the inexpert as genuine Pernam-
buco. Snakewood is a favorite with
some makers. Steel bows and folding
contrivances have enjoyed very brief
lives. The complete bow should weigh
about two and one-eighth ounces, and
be so balanced that ii may be hurredly
placed upon the strings with light,
springy motion that does not impair
effectiveness OF the hair.
Old bows are not in SO much demand
as old violns, although cranky COL
lectors often get in fever over them.
There is just enough competition to
make the artist pay more than he ought
for that be alone can use to best adj
vantage. A New Haven connoisseur
has ten exec ptionally fine bow sticks.
for which collection he has refused
$1,000. It's the old story-they are
ARTICLES of virtu''
Purified rosn is used TO keep the
hair rough, thus creating numberless
light shocks TO the strings as the bow
is drawn acoss them 1t is better 10
err on the side Of using too little than
the reverse. Worn out hair can be re-
placed By a new coil at an expense Of
- cents for the best grade. Pure rosin
is moulded in cakes OF various forms,
which sell for rs cents to Sl.75 per doz-
en-.
Among different makers of strings
the Italians hold first rank as regards
purity of sound. Next comes the Ger
mans, whose make of strings prove
very durable, followed by the French
and other countries, in subordinate
rank. Italian superiority is easily ex-
planned. In that beautiful climate
manufacturing is principally carried on
in the open air. Southern Germany is
fortunate in this respect, though in less
degree. Further north art fetal pro-
cesses are rendered necessary for dy-
ing and finishing the product, and
strings may be said to deteriorate as .
]
mandatory is removed from Italy.
The intestines of sheep and goats are
used in string making. chiefly the for
mer These are immersed in solutions
of alkalies, after which they are thor
oughly rinsed with water. When dry
the process is repeated several times,
the alkaline baths growing stronger at
each stage of treatment. At length
the tegument is split into threads and
spun into strings. Skilled workmen
are necessary in the latter details, as
perfect strings should be uniform in
size throughout. The finest qualities
comes from lambs. Those slaughtered
in September yield the most desirable
materials. Friction from the fingers
in playing tends to separate the COM
ponent strands; particularly
is this the case when per-
spiration is induced by prolonged
exercise. a moist atmosphere is fatal
to gut strings. In dog day weather silk
strings are frequently substituted.
Though the tone is not SO acceptable.
exemption from breakage repays tho
loss. In selecting strings it is safe TO
choose those of greatest transparency.
Dizziness of color indicates too many
threads or Indifferent material. The
fourth string is covered with silver or
copper wire or a mixture of metals of
great ductiity. Silver is wound on gut
to good advantage. Those covered
with copper wire give more powerful
effects. Strings bearing either of these
metals have tendency to rise in pitch
from warmth of the fingers. To obviate
this annoyance mixed wire is used,
combining power and softness, which is
less liable TO expansion. Fourth strings
as found in market are apt to be too
heavy. 1t is best to purchase all sizes
as they are needed, as they seldom i'm.
prove after seasoning. Old instruments
! do not ordinarily require heavy strings.
Medium sizes that develop rich clear
tones are better adapted to mood, mel
! lowed by a century's existence in the
viol n. Unduly loading the bridge
with coarse strings checks the more
sensitive vibrations and tends to dis
member the structure. Prices range
from 81 per bundle of thirty strings to
SO per dozen. Fourth strings are made
in single lengths; other sizes usually
contain two to four lengths A cata.
logue at hand quotes them in thirty.
seven grades.
The abomination of decent violins
widely advertised as "steel strings
scarcely deserves mention. Still many
are used by thoughtless ''fiddlers. !"
They have one rherit-strength Not
only do they rapidly wear out the hair
of the bow, and remorselesslv tug at
their task of tearing the top from its
slight hold on the sides. but when
played they jingle in metallic way
most narrowing to the soul of lover
nf oh A N G. Urn